Lytle is 8-1-1 against Crystal City since April of 2018 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Pirates will host the Javelinas at 7:00 p.m. Lytle is coming into the game hot, having won their last five games.
Lytle proved they can win big on Friday (they won by 14) and on Monday they proved they can win the close ones too. They won by a run and slipped past Hondo 4-3.
Jair Flores
| 03/28/25 vs Hondo | 3 |
| 04/14/25 @ Hondo | 1 |
| 04/01/25 @ Crystal City | 1 |
| 03/13/25 vs Blanco | 1 |
| 03/08/25 @ London | 1 |
Jair Flores spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned (and two unearned) runs on six hits. He has become a key player for Lytle: the team is 9-3 when he allows at most three earned runs, but 7-8 otherwise.
On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Weston Jackson, who scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-3. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Crystal City, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. Everything went their way against Cotulla on Monday as they made off with an 11-4 win. Considering the Javelinas have won eight matches by more than six runs this season, Monday's blowout was nothing new.
Scott Rodriguez made a splash no matter where he played. He struck out ten batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and three unearned) runs off six hits (and not a single walk). Rodriguez was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
In other batting news, Adrian Zavala was incredible, firing off two home runs, three runs, and three RBI while going 3-for-5. Those home runs were his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Robert Alvarado, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one home run.
Crystal City lost a few balls and finished the game with three home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
Lytle's victory was their fourth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 16-11. The road wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 14.0 runs over those games. As for Crystal City, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-9 record this season.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Lytle has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .444. However, it's not like Crystal City struggles in that department as they've averaged .475. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Lytle skirted past Crystal City 8-6 in their previous matchup two weeks ago. Will the Pirates repeat their success, or do the Javelinas have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
